IP20 vs IP66 Inverter Drives – Which One Do You Need? [Enclosure Rating Explained]
When choosing an inverter drive, it’s not just the power, voltage, or brand you need to consider — the IP (Ingress Protection) rating is just as important. Whether you’re installing a VFD in a control panel or out on a washdown production line, understanding the difference between IP20 and IP66 can help you make the right call and avoid costly mistakes.
🔧 What Is an IP Rating?
IP ratings (Ingress Protection) are a standard used to classify the degree of protection an electrical enclosure offers against solid objects (like dust) and liquids (like water). The IP code includes two digits:
- First digit: Protection against solids (0–6)
- Second digit: Protection against liquids (0–9)
So for example, IP20 = protected against fingers and medium-sized objects, but not water. IP66 = totally dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets from all directions.
💡 What Does IP20 Mean?
An IP20-rated inverter drive offers basic protection against touch and small objects but provides no protection against moisture or liquids. These drives are best installed inside an enclosed panel or cabinet in a clean, dry environment.
- 🧠 Ideal for internal control panels
- 🏭 Best for clean industrial environments
- 💸 More compact and cost-effective
➡️ Popular IP20 drives: Delta MS300, PowerFlex 4M, ABB ACS355
🌧️ What Does IP66 Mean?
An IP66-rated inverter drive is fully sealed against dust and can withstand high-pressure water jets. This makes it ideal for harsh, wet, or outdoor conditions.
- 💧 Suitable for washdown and outdoor use
- 🍽️ Common in food & beverage or marine industries
- 🛡️ Requires no additional panel enclosure
➡️ Popular IP66 drives: ABB ACS880, ABB PSE Softstarters, Danfoss FC-302 with IP66 options
📊 IP20 vs IP66 – At a Glance
| Feature | IP20 | IP66 |
|---|---|---|
| Dust Protection | Partial (fingers & tools) | Complete (dust-tight) |
| Water Protection | None | High-pressure water jets |
| Installation Location | Inside enclosure or panel | Outdoor or exposed machinery |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Common Applications | Factory floor, OEM control panels | Food, beverage, washdown, outdoors |
🔍 So Which IP Rating Do You Need?
If your VFD will be installed in a control panel or indoors, IP20 is sufficient and more cost-effective. However, if your drive will be exposed to dust, water, or cleaning chemicals, you’ll want IP66 to avoid damage and downtime.
Still not sure? Use our VFD Sizing Calculator or contact our technical team for guidance on enclosure ratings and environmental protection.
🛒 Shop Inverter Drives by IP Rating
⚡ Why Buy From Drive Outlet Megastore?
- ✅ 3,000+ drives in stock from ABB, Delta, Danfoss & more
- ✅ Next-day delivery across the UK
- ✅ 2-Year warranty on all OEM products
- ✅ Cheapest prices on genuine drives – no markups
Whether you need an IP20 drive for a control panel or a rugged IP66 inverter for washdown use, we’ve got you covered.
📞 Contact us today or explore our full range of inverter drives online.
